REDMOND ON CHANCE AGAINST CITY

Danny Redmond came on in the second half to play against his Dad Steve's former team.

PUBLISHED

11:38 25th September 2013

by Nick Taylor

Development Squad skipper happy to be given opportunity against his Dad’s former team.

When you’re my age you want to be playing against the best players in the world and City have certainly got some of them."

Danny Redmond

After working hard so far this season in the Development Squad, scoring two in four games and providing a number of assists, midfielder Daniel Redmond got his chance last night against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the Capital One Cup.

Not only was it a chance to prove himself in the first team and acquire minutes on the pitch, but it was a chance against the former team of his Dad Steve, who played for City for seven season, making over 200 appearances.

Speaking after the game, Danny said:

“It was amazing for me and my Dad said if I’d have come on and scored he would have been on the pitch celebrating.

“He’s been very supportive and he was supporting me over his former team obviously because I’m his son.

“When I told him I would be in the squad for the game he just told me to go out there, enjoy the game, be myself and show people what I can do.

“He’ll be delighted when I speak to him about the game and it’s quite a proud moment for me.”

Focussing on the game, Redmond added that although disappointed with the result, it was a big chance for himself and other players who have featured in the Development Squad so far this season, saying:

“The cup games are always a good chance for players like myself to get some time on the pitch.

“Fraser (Fyvie) and Nouha (Dicko) played and Adam Buxton was on the bench and coming to the Etihad is a great experience of first team football and to prove to the gaffer what we can do.

“I’m sure the gaffer will want and hope that we keep on working hard and give him selection problems in a good way.”

With a first team squad of almost 30 players, Redmond added that it will take a lot of hard work to grab a more regular place in the team.

“I’m delighted to get on the pitch and get some minutes for the first team in the cup, but it’s just a shame we got beat by the score line we did.

“It’s always been competitive to get into the team at Wigan Athletic because we’ve always got plenty of options.

“When the injured players return to the squad that will only add to the competition, but we need that over the season and it also pushes the younger lads to try even harder.

“My aim this season is to try and push into the first team by working my way on to the bench and hopefully getting some starts.”

Despite making 10 changes to their starting line-up from their victory over Manchester United at the weekend, City fielded a strong side, something which Redmond was pleased about as it gave players a chance to test themselves.

“It was a real test against a strong Man City side,” added the 22-year-old.

“When you’re my age you want to be playing against the best players in the world and City have certainly got some of them.

“It was a chance to see how I can perform up against them and I enjoyed the time I had on the pitch.

“I thought I linked up quite well going forwards and there was also a chance when I was at the back post waiting for Roger (Espinoza) to send over a cross, I was stood completely on my own so if it had gone over Boyata’s head that would have been my big chance.”